Airdrieonians 2 TNS 1

THE New Saints' brave efforts to become the first club to take the SPFL Trust Trophy out of Scotland ended with defeat at the hands of Aidrieonians in Falkirk today.

Defeat marked the end of a remarkable 26 match winning run for the JD Cymru Premier champions who will now content themselves with securing a domestic treble.

The Saints started brightly and Jordan Williams broke down the left to cross for Brad Young who conspired to miss the target from six yards with the goal at his mercy.

Young showed resolve as he overcame the physical Scottish side's defence to to tee up Ben Clark to fire the Saints ahead after 12 minutes.

Border Counties Advertizer: Ben Clark celebrates the opener for TNS against Airdrieonians.Ben Clark celebrates the opener for TNS against Airdrieonians. JD Cymru Leagues/FAW.

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The Saints continued to press with goalkeeper Robbie Hemfrey forced to tip over Danny Redmond's effort after a cute back heel from Clark.

The Diamonds grew into the game with Liam McStravick latching onto a throughball from Adam Frizzell to fire past Connor Roberts and level after 22 minutes.

The Saints survived a scare when Josh Daniels blocked Nickolay Todorov's shot on the line after being picked out by Charlie Telfer as the Diamonds began to impose themselves.

However it was the Oswestrians who ended the half on top with Daniels steering Chris Marriott's free-kick onto the post.

The second-half was a much tighter affair but the Diamonds seized on a sloppy challenge from Josh Pask on Josh O'Connor on the edge of the area with 20 minutes remaining and Todorov slotted home from the spot.

The Saints laid siege to the Airdrie goal for the remainder of the match and almost levelled when substitute Declan McManus headed Daniels' cross inches wide of the target.

TNS: Roberts, Daniels, Davies, Pask, Marriott, Clark (McManus 72), Smith, Redmond (D Wiliams 72), Holden (Cieslewicz 78), Young, J Williams (Marshall78). Subs: Thompson, Hudson, Harlock, Brobbel, Jones.

Airdrieonians: Hemfrey; Hancock, Fordyce, Watson, Ballantyne; McCabe (McMaster 46), Telfer, McStravick (Donnell 60), Frizzell, J Gallagher (O’Connor 53), Todrov (C Gallagher 92)